Culture

Ikorodu cultural heritage set for boost with commissioner’s support

Published

1 year ago

June 5, 2025

Lagos Commissioner for Tourism Toke Benson-Awoyinka pledges support for Ikorodu Cultural Heritage, fostering collaboration with IKODAS to promote the division’s rich traditions

The Ikorodu Cultural Heritage is set to receive a significant boost following a recent meeting between the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and a delegation from the Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODAS).

The courtesy visit, led by IKODAS Chairman Alhaji Kolawole Fatai on Tuesday, aimed at fostering deeper collaboration with the state government on cultural and developmental initiatives for Ikorodu and beyond.

Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka, in welcoming the delegates to her office, commended IKODAS for its sustained efforts to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ikorodu.

“It’s always heartening to know that committed groups are working tirelessly for the growth of our communities. Ikorodu is not just a location.

It is a legacy, one of the five divisions of Lagos that carries deep-rooted indigenous traditions that deserve recognition and support,” she said.

The Commissioner shared personal memories of her upbringing in Ikorodu, expressing a nostalgic connection and a professional commitment to ensuring that the division’s cultural festivals, such as Eyó and Fanti Carnival, are supported and preserved.

“If I do not promote Ikorodu as the Commissioner for Tourism, then who will? I grew up with these traditions, and I have to ensure they thrive for generations to come,” she added.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka assured the association of the Ministry’s full support and encouraged them to channel future communications directly through her office to ensure efficiency.

She also shared ongoing Ministry projects aimed at securing UNESCO recognition for local heritage trails and enhancing tourism infrastructure across the state.

“We may not always be loud about our work, but rest assured, we are making strategic moves that will place Lagos and, by extension, Ikorodu on the global cultural map,” she stated.

In his remarks, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai expressed IKODAS’ strong desire for deeper collaboration with the state government. He highlighted the association’s impressive 35-year legacy of uniting various cultural groups under one umbrella and organising major festivals that celebrate Ikorodu’s rich heritage.

“We are appealing for greater inclusion and visibility. Despite our long-standing contributions to cultural development in Lagos, we feel our efforts have not been sufficiently acknowledged,” he said.

Alhaji Fatai also presented the association’s constitution and a detailed programme agenda spanning 2025 to 2027. This ambitious plan includes year-end carnivals, community honour ceremonies, and expanded cultural showcases featuring over 25 indigenous Etun groups, further solidifying the vibrancy of Ikorodu Cultural Heritage.

Related Topics:Culture Featured heritage Ikorodu Lagos Tourism

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”